Palmer
"Family is who you make it."
Overview
"Palmer" tells the story of Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake), a former high school football star who returns to his small Louisiana hometown after serving a 12-year prison sentence. Moving in with his grandmother, Vivian (June Squibb), Palmer attempts to piece his life back together while facing the judgment of his community. His quiet life is disrupted by Sam (Ryder Allen), a precocious 7-year-old boy from a troubled home next door who enjoys playing with dolls and dressing up as a princess.
When Sam's drug-addicted mother, Shelly (Juno Temple), disappears for an extended period, and Vivian unexpectedly passes away, Palmer finds himself the reluctant caretaker of the boy. As Palmer and Sam navigate their new reality, they form a deep and unexpected bond, challenging Palmer's own preconceived notions of masculinity and family. Their budding relationship is supported by Sam's kind-hearted teacher, Maggie (Alisha Wainwright).
However, Palmer's past and the societal prejudices of their small town threaten to tear apart the new family they have created. The film explores themes of redemption, acceptance, and the courage to defy societal norms, all while painting an intimate portrait of an unlikely father-son relationship.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Palmer" revolves around the transformative power of acceptance and the possibility of second chances. The director, Fisher Stevens, aimed to tell a story that explores how two outsiders—an ex-convict and a gender-nonconforming child—can find solace and family in each other, healing their respective wounds. The film posits that true redemption is found not just in atoning for past mistakes, but in opening one's heart to unconditional love and defending the right of others to be their authentic selves. It challenges traditional notions of masculinity, suggesting that strength lies in vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to stand up for those who are different. Ultimately, the message is that family is not defined by blood, but by love, support, and acceptance.
Thematic DNA
Redemption and Second Chances
This is the central theme of the film. Eddie Palmer, having paid his debt to society, seeks a second chance at a meaningful life. His journey is not just about staying out of trouble, but about finding a new purpose and redeeming his past self. His relationship with Sam becomes the catalyst for this transformation, as he discovers he's capable of being a positive force in someone's life. The film suggests that redemption is a difficult but attainable path, often found in unexpected connections.
Acceptance and Challenging Gender Norms
The character of Sam, who expresses himself in ways that defy traditional gender stereotypes, is at the heart of this theme. The film explores the prejudice and bullying Sam faces from both children and adults in their conservative town. Palmer's initial confusion gives way to fierce protection and unconditional acceptance of Sam, challenging his own ingrained ideas of masculinity. The film advocates for creating a safe space for individuals to be their authentic selves, free from judgment.
The Definition of Family
"Palmer" presents a non-traditional, chosen family. The bond between Palmer and Sam, and later with Maggie, forms a more stable and loving environment than Sam's biological mother can provide. The film questions the notion that blood ties are paramount, suggesting that family is built on love, care, and mutual support. Shelly's ultimate decision to give Palmer custody of Sam underscores this theme, as she recognizes that a true family is what is best for her son.
The Weight of the Past
Palmer is constantly haunted by his past mistakes and his reputation as an ex-convict. His criminal record creates obstacles in finding work and gaining custody of Sam. The film portrays the difficulty of escaping one's past in a small town where everyone knows your story. Palmer's journey is about proving that his past does not have to define his future, and that people are capable of change.
Character Analysis
Eddie Palmer
Justin Timberlake
Motivation
Initially, Palmer's motivation is simple survival: to stay out of trouble, find a job, and get by. This evolves into a deep-seated need to protect Sam from the prejudice and neglect he faces. Ultimately, his motivation becomes creating a stable and loving family for Sam, which in turn gives his own life meaning and a second chance.
Character Arc
Palmer begins as a stoic, emotionally withdrawn ex-convict, burdened by his past and uncertain of his future. His initial interactions with Sam are reluctant and distant. However, as he takes on the role of Sam's guardian, he rediscovers his capacity for love and responsibility. He transforms from a self-pitying loner into a fierce protector and loving father figure, ultimately finding his own redemption by providing Sam with the acceptance and stability he never had.
Sam Burdette
Ryder Allen
Motivation
Sam's primary motivation is to be himself and to find love and stability in a chaotic world. He is drawn to things that bring him joy, like princesses and tea parties, and seeks connection with those who are kind to him, like his grandmother Vivian and eventually Palmer.
Character Arc
Sam starts as a resilient but vulnerable child, navigating a world that often rejects him for his gender-nonconforming interests. While he remains true to himself throughout, his arc is one of finding a stable and accepting environment. Through his relationship with Palmer, he gains a protective father figure and the confidence that comes with being unconditionally loved. His unwavering authenticity is the catalyst for Palmer's transformation.
Shelly Burdette
Juno Temple
Motivation
Shelly's motivations are often clouded by her addiction. She seeks fleeting moments of escape and is easily manipulated by her abusive boyfriend. However, underlying her destructive behavior is a genuine, albeit deeply flawed, love for Sam. This love is her ultimate motivation when she finally makes the decision to let him go.
Character Arc
Shelly is a tragic figure, trapped in a cycle of drug addiction and abusive relationships. She loves her son but is unable to provide him with the care and stability he needs. Her arc is one of realization and sacrifice. In the end, seeing the profound bond between Sam and Palmer, and recognizing her own inability to be a good mother, she makes the selfless decision to give Palmer custody, choosing her son's well-being over her own maternal rights.
Maggie Hayes
Alisha Wainwright
Motivation
Maggie is motivated by her dedication to her students and her belief in kindness and acceptance. She wants to create a safe and inclusive environment for children like Sam. She is also drawn to Palmer's burgeoning sense of responsibility and sees the potential for a good man beneath his rough exterior.
Character Arc
Maggie is a consistently positive and supportive figure throughout the film. As Sam's teacher, she recognizes and nurtures his unique spirit from the beginning. She serves as a moral compass and a source of encouragement for Palmer, seeing the good in him when others in the town only see his past. Her arc is one of becoming an integral part of Palmer and Sam's new family, representing a hopeful future.
Vivian Palmer
June Squibb
Motivation
Vivian is motivated by her deep Christian faith and her love for her family. She believes in forgiveness and redemption, as shown by her immediate acceptance of Palmer back into her home. Her kindness towards Sam stems from her compassionate nature and her desire to help those in need.
Character Arc
Vivian's role is brief but pivotal. She is the heart of the home, offering unconditional love and a second chance to her grandson. She also provides the initial stability and care for Sam. Though she passes away early in the film, her influence and values continue to guide Palmer. Her death acts as the inciting incident that forces Palmer and Sam to rely on each other.
Symbols & Motifs
Football
Football symbolizes Palmer's past life, a world of traditional masculinity, glory, and ultimately, his downfall. It represents the life he lost due to his mistakes and the narrow definition of what it meant to be a man in his town.
Palmer was a high school football star with a promising future, which was cut short by injury and poor choices. When he takes Sam to a football game, it's an attempt to connect with the boy through his own past experiences, but Sam is more interested in the cheerleaders, highlighting the difference in their worlds. Palmer's journey away from the man he was is, in part, a journey away from the person defined by football.
Vivian's House
Vivian's house represents a place of sanctuary, unconditional love, and second chances. It's a safe haven for both Palmer upon his release from prison and for Sam from his neglectful home life. The religious symbols within the house, like crosses, represent Vivian's faith and the moral compass she provides.
The house is the setting where Palmer and Sam's bond begins to form under Vivian's watchful eye. After her death, the house becomes a temporary home for their burgeoning family. Vivian willing the house to the church signifies the end of an era and forces Palmer and Sam to start a new life together, carrying the values Vivian instilled in them.
Princesses and Fairies
The recurring motif of princesses and fairies, particularly Sam's fascination with the show "Penelope the Flying Princess," symbolizes innocence, self-expression, and the freedom to be oneself without conforming to societal expectations. It directly contrasts with the rigid, masculine world Palmer comes from.
Sam's love for princesses is a constant throughout the film, from his choice of Halloween costume to his toys and lunchbox. Palmer's initial attempts to steer him towards more traditionally 'boyish' things eventually give way to acceptance and even participation. The film's final scene, where Sam receives his official membership to the Flying Princess Club, signifies that he has found a home where he is fully accepted and celebrated for who he is.
Memorable Quotes
You know you're a boy, right? ... Boys don't play with dolls.
— Eddie Palmer
Context:
This is said early in the film when Palmer first observes Sam playing with his dolls. It's a moment of gentle confrontation that sets up the central conflict and theme of the movie: Palmer's journey to move past societal expectations and embrace Sam for who he is.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates Palmer's initial struggle to understand Sam and his adherence to traditional gender norms. It highlights his starting point, from which he will undergo a significant transformation in his perspective on masculinity and acceptance.
Well, I'm a boy. And I do.
— Sam Burdette
Context:
Sam says this directly to Palmer after being told that boys don't play with dolls. His innocent confidence leaves Palmer without a response and marks the beginning of Palmer's education in acceptance, taught to him by a seven-year-old.
Meaning:
Sam's simple yet profound response is a powerful assertion of his identity. It challenges the rigid categories Palmer presents and demonstrates Sam's unwavering self-acceptance. This line is a cornerstone of the film's message about authenticity.
Truth is, I haven't felt like I was good at anything for a long time. Until Sam.
— Eddie Palmer
Context:
Palmer says this during his plea to a judge for custody of Sam. It's a moment of raw vulnerability where he lays bare how much Sam has come to mean to him, framing their relationship not as a burden, but as his own salvation.
Meaning:
This quote is the emotional climax of Palmer's character arc. He openly admits that his relationship with Sam has given him a sense of purpose and self-worth that he had lost long ago. It signifies his complete transformation and his deep love for the boy.
Kids are mean. Especially when they see something that they ain't used to seeing.
— Eddie Palmer
Context:
Palmer says this to Sam when Sam chooses a princess costume for Halloween. He is trying to prepare Sam for the negative reactions he might face, showing that his concern comes from a place of love and a desire to protect him from harm.
Meaning:
This line shows Palmer's growing understanding and protectiveness over Sam. While trying to warn Sam about the potential for bullying, he also acknowledges the root of the prejudice: fear of the unfamiliar. It's a moment of gentle parenting from an unlikely father figure.
That is the entire point of Halloween or any other day of the year. You can just be whoever you want to be.
— Maggie Hayes
Context:
Maggie says this to Palmer and Sam during a conversation about Sam's Halloween costume. It's a moment of support that not only encourages Sam but also helps to solidify Palmer's evolving perspective.
Meaning:
Maggie's words serve as the film's moral compass. She articulates the central theme of self-expression and acceptance, extending the idea beyond the fantasy of Halloween to everyday life. She validates Sam's choices and reinforces the film's message.
Philosophical Questions
What constitutes a family?
The film directly challenges the traditional definition of a nuclear family. It asks whether biological ties are more important than the love, stability, and care that a person can provide. Through the relationship between Palmer, a non-related ex-convict, and Sam, the film argues that family is a bond forged through mutual support and acceptance, rather than a matter of bloodline. Shelly's ultimate decision to relinquish custody reinforces the idea that the 'best' family is the one that provides the most nurturing environment.
Can a person truly escape their past?
"Palmer" explores the philosophical question of whether a person's identity is forever defined by their past actions. Palmer is constantly confronted with the label of 'ex-convict' and the judgment of his community. The film suggests that while the past is an inescapable part of one's story, it does not have to be a life sentence. Through his actions and his growing love for Sam, Palmer demonstrates the capacity for profound change, raising the question of at what point a person's redemption outweighs their past transgressions.
How are societal norms of masculinity constructed and challenged?
The film places the rigid, traditional masculinity of a small Southern town, embodied by Palmer's football past and his old friends, in direct contrast with Sam's fluid self-expression. It raises questions about why society imposes these strict gender roles and the harm they can cause. Sam's simple, unwavering authenticity forces Palmer, and by extension the audience, to question these preconceived notions. The film explores how true strength can be found in empathy and acceptance, rather than in conforming to a narrow, hyper-masculine ideal.
Alternative Interpretations
While "Palmer" presents a fairly straightforward narrative, some alternative readings can be explored. One interpretation could focus on the film as an allegory for the broader societal struggle for acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in conservative communities. Sam can be seen not just as a gender-nonconforming child, but as a symbol for any marginalized group seeking validation and protection.
Another perspective could analyze the film through the lens of class. Palmer's struggles as an ex-convict are compounded by his blue-collar status in a town with a clear social hierarchy. His redemption is not just personal but also a fight against a system that makes it difficult for people from his background to succeed. Shelly's character can also be viewed more sympathetically as a victim of systemic issues like poverty and lack of access to healthcare for addiction, rather than simply a 'bad mother'.
Finally, some critics have suggested that the film's 'safe' and gentle approach, while making the story accessible, also tempers its potential impact. An alternative interpretation from this viewpoint is that the film could be seen as a timid exploration of its themes, one that makes its non-conforming character exceptionally lovable to be more palatable to a mainstream audience, rather than fully embracing the complexities and potential for conflict inherent in the story.
Cultural Impact
"Palmer" was released at a time of increasing conversation around gender identity and toxic masculinity. While not a radical film, its placement of a story about a gender-nonconforming child in a conservative, rural American setting brought these themes to a mainstream audience. The film was praised by many for its heartfelt and accessible approach to complex issues of acceptance and prejudice. Critics noted that while the 'ex-con finds redemption through a child' trope is familiar, the specific dynamic between Palmer and Sam offered a fresh and culturally relevant perspective.
The performances of Justin Timberlake and Ryder Allen were widely acclaimed, with many critics calling it a career-best dramatic role for Timberlake and a breakout performance for Allen. The film contributed to the growing library of original content for Apple TV+, helping to solidify the platform's reputation for producing quality, character-driven dramas. While some critics found the narrative too predictable and safe, its emotional core resonated with audiences, who praised its positive messages about found family, second chances, and the importance of allowing children to be their authentic selves.
Audience Reception
Audience reception for "Palmer" was generally very positive, often more so than critical reviews. Viewers frequently praised the film's emotional weight and heartwarming story, with many admitting it brought them to tears. The central performances of Justin Timberlake and Ryder Allen were consistently highlighted as the film's greatest strength, with audiences lauding their believable and touching chemistry. Many viewers appreciated the film's handling of themes like acceptance, redemption, and non-traditional family structures, finding the messages both important and timely. While some acknowledged the plot's predictability, most felt that the strong performances and genuine heart of the film overcame its familiar narrative beats. The primary point of praise was the film's ability to be a 'feel-good' story without shying away from difficult subject matter.
Interesting Facts
- The screenplay for "Palmer," written by Cheryl Guerriero, was featured on the 2016 Black List, an annual survey of the most-liked unproduced screenplays.
- Although the film is set in rural Louisiana, principal photography primarily took place in New Orleans.
- Director Fisher Stevens mentioned in an interview that the writer, Cheryl Guerriero, loosely based the character of Palmer on a real high school athlete who went to prison and that the character of Sam was inspired by her own childhood experiences of not conforming to traditional gender roles.
- Ryder Allen, who plays Sam, made his feature film debut in "Palmer."
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